The U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 493 (S. Res. 493) designating July 11, 2014, as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” The Resolution was requested by SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) councils. The date marks the fifth commemoration in what has become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

On July 12, 2013, SEMA members joined with SEMA staff and thousands of enthusiasts to celebrate the fourth annual Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD). A wide range of official events were held in the United States, Canada and Australia to commemorate the day, designated by a SEMA-requested U.S. Senate Resolution 176 sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC).

The annual SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Day will be held, for the first time, in conjunction with the Detroit Autorama—the 60-year-old custom car show taking place in March 2014 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. The program will consist of 24 sessions, each led by a hot-rod parts manufacturer educating attendees about product features, benefits and installation guidelines.